Fluid control valves

ABSTRACT

A fluid control valve for mixing hot and cold water has an inlet for cold water, an inlet for hot water and at least two outlets for temperature controlled water. The valve further has a flow control device comprising a pair of control members that are relatively movable to control flow of water at the inlets and outlets of the valve for selecting flow to an individual outlet or a combination of at least two outlets.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Continuation of International PatentApplication PCT/GB2015/052773, filed Sep. 24, 2015, which claims thebenefit of and priority to United Kingdom Patent Application GB1416876.9, filed Sep. 24, 2014. The entire disclosures of each of theforegoing applications is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND

The present application relates to fluid control valves and inparticular, but not exclusively to control valves for mixing two fluids.More especially the present application relates to control valves formixing hot and cold water to provide a source of temperature controlledwater for washing, bathing or the like.

For convenience, in the following description, reference will be made tomixing hot and cold water but it will be understood that this notintended to be limiting and that features of any embodiments may beemployed for mixing fluids other than water.

Fluid control valves for plumbing fixtures (e.g., shower control valves)often include a control mechanism to prevent the sudden change intemperature of the water. A common example of such control mechanism isa thermostatic valve, which uses a thermostat to control the flow of hotand cold water.

A typical thermostatic valve has a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet,and a mixed water outlet. A typical thermostatic valve has user operablecontrols that allow the user to turn the flow on and off and select adesired mixed water temperature.

In operation, the mixed water flows over a thermostat, the response ofwhich to deviation in the temperature of the mixed water from theselected temperature causes the relative proportions of hot and coldwater flowing through the valve to change and return the temperature ofthe mixed water to the selected temperature. The user operable controlsgenerally also allow the user to control flow rate.

In a typical thermostatic valve, an outlet for mixed water may beconnected to a separate diverter valve with multiple outlets forconnection to different fittings that allow the user to select anddirect mixed water to a single fitting or combination of fittings.

The provision of a separate diverter valve adds to installation costsand requires the user to operate separate controls for the thermostaticvalve and the diverter valve. This complicates operation and may not besuitable for some users.

Thus, there is a need for an improved thermostatic valve that providesenhanced functionality. It is also a desirable aim to provide improvedfunctionality with a reliable construction and ease of operation havingbenefits for the manufacturer and/or user of the thermostatic valve.

SUMMARY

An exemplary embodiment relates to a fluid control valve for mixing hotand cold water that has an inlet for cold water, an inlet for hot waterand at least two outlets for temperature controlled water. The valvefurther has a flow control device comprising a pair of control membersthat are relatively movable to control flow of water at the inlets andoutlets of the valve for selecting flow to an individual outlet or acombination of at least two outlets.

Another exemplary embodiment relates to a fluid control valve for mixinghot and cold water that has an inlet for cold water, an inlet for hotwater and at least two outlets for temperature controlled water. Thevalve further has a flow control device comprising a pair of controlmembers that are relatively movable between a plurality of positions tocontrol flow of water at the inlets and outlets of the valve forselecting flow to an individual outlet in a first position or acombination of at least two outlets in a second position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a thermostatic mixer valve according toan exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the valve shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the valve shown in FIG. 1 normal to theview in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the valve shown in FIGS. 1 to 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the fixed and moving ceramic discs shownin FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 shows the arrangement of the ceramic discs to shut-off flow;

FIG. 7 shows the arrangement of the ceramic discs with the moving discrotated clockwise from the position shown in FIG. 6 to permit flow to afirst outlet;

FIG. 8 shows the arrangement of the ceramic discs with the moving discrotated clockwise beyond the position shown in FIG. 7 to permit flow tothe first outlet and a second outlet;

FIG. 9 shows the arrangement of the ceramic discs with the moving discrotated anticlockwise from the position shown in FIG. 6 to permit flowto the second outlet;

FIG. 10 shows the arrangement of the ceramic discs with the moving discrotated anticlockwise beyond the position shown in FIG. 9 to permit flowto the second outlet and the first outlet;

FIG. 11 shows a modification in which a removable stop is provided toallow clockwise rotation of the moving disc from the flow off positionto select one outlet and a combination of both outlets and to blockanticlockwise rotation of the moving disc from the flow off position toselect the other outlet and a combination of both outlets;

FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 show another modification in which a removable stopis provided to allow clockwise rotation of the moving disc from the flowoff position to select one outlet and block selection of both outletsand another removable stop is provided to allow anticlockwise rotationof the moving disc from the flow off position to select the other outletand block selection of both outlets.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One embodiment relates to a fluid control valve for mixing hot and coldwater. The valve has an inlet for cold water, an inlet for hot water andat least two outlets for temperature controlled water.

It may be that the valve further has a flow control device forcontrolling flow of water through the valve. The flow control device maycontrol flow of water at the inlets and outlets of the valve. The flowcontrol device may comprise control members that are relatively movableto align and misalign ports in the control members to control flow ofwater at the inlets and outlets of the valve. The control members may bedisposed one on top of the other. There may be two control members. Onecontrol member may be fixed and the other control member may be movablerelative to the fixed control member. The movable control member may berotatable relative to the fixed control member. The control members maycomprise discs. The control members may be made of ceramic material. Thecontrol members may have inlet ports that can align or at leastpartially align in response to relative movement to control flow ofwater at the hot and cold inlets and that can misalign to shut-off flowof water at the hot and cold inlets. The control members may have outletports that can align or at least partially align in response to relativemovement to control flow of water at the outlets and that can misalignto shut-off flow of water at the outlets. Relative movement of themembers may align or at least partially align outlet ports of one orboth outlets. The movable member may be rotatable in a clockwisedirection to permit flow to a first outlet and then to the first outletand a second outlet. The movable member may be rotatable in an anti-clockwise direction to permit flow to the second outlet and then to thesecond outlet and the first outlet. One or more stops may be provided toblock rotation of the movable member to prevent flow to an outlet orcombination of outlets. In some embodiments, a stop may allow rotationof the movable member in the clockwise direction to select the firstoutlet and the first and second outlets and to block rotation in theanticlockwise direction to select the second outlet and the first andsecond outlets and vice versa. In other embodiments, a pair of stops mayallow rotation of the movable member in the clockwise direction toselect the first outlet and in the anticlockwise directions to selectthe select outlet and to block rotation in both directions to selectboth the first and second outlets. The or each stop may be releasable.The or each stop may be detachable or movable to a position in which thestop is inoperable.

It may be that the valve further has a temperature control device formixing hot and cold water to provide a source of temperature controlledwater. The temperature control device may comprise a cartridge. Thecartridge may be thermostatic. The cartridge may have inlet ports incommunication with the inlet ports of the flow control device and anoutlet port in communication with the outlet ports of the flow controldevice. The inlet ports of the cartridge may be spaced apart in an axialdirection. The outlet port of the cartridge may be coaxial with an axisof rotation of the rotatable control member. In other arrangements, theoutlet port may be offset from the axis of rotation. The hot and coldwater inlet ports of the flow control device may be spaced from the axisof rotation of the rotatable control member. The inlet ports may beconcentric with the axis of rotation. The hot and cold water inlet portsof the flow control device may be spaced apart in a radial direction anda circumferential direction. The hot water inlet ports may be inboard ofthe cold water inlet ports or vice versa. The outlet ports of the flowcontrol device may be inboard of the hot and cold water inlet ports. Theoutlet ports may be spaced from the axis of rotation of the rotatablecontrol member. The outlet ports may be concentric with the axis ofrotation. The valve may have an inner sleeve that defines with thecartridge a first passageway, and an outer sleeve that defines with theinner sleeve and cartridge a second passageway. The first and secondpassageways may be configured to deliver hot and cold water to the inletports of the cartridge. The first passageway delivers hot water to theinlet port for hot water and the second passageway delivers cold waterto the inlet port for cold water.

Another embodiment relates to a fluid control valve for mixing hot andcold water. The valve has an inlet for cold water, an inlet for hotwater and at least one outlet for temperature controlled water.

It may be that the valve further has a temperature control device formixing hot and cold water to provide a source of temperature controlledwater. The temperature control device may comprise a cartridge. Thecartridge may be thermostatic. The cartridge may have inlet ports incommunication with the inlets for hot and cold water and an outlet portin communication with the outlet for temperature controlled water. Thevalve may have an inner sleeve that defines with the cartridge a firstpassageway, and an outer sleeve that defines with the inner sleeve andcartridge a second passageway. The first and second passageways deliverthe hot and cold water to the inlet ports of the cartridge. The firstpassageway may deliver hot water to the inlet port for hot water and thesecond passageway may deliver cold water to the inlet port for coldwater. The inlet ports of the cartridge may be spaced apart in an axialdirection. The inner and outer sleeves may be separate components.Alternatively, the inner and outer sleeves may be a single component.

It may be that the valve further has a flow control device forcontrolling flow of water through the valve. The flow control device maycontrol flow of water at the inlets and outlets of the valve. The flowcontrol device may comprise control members that are relatively movableto align and misalign ports in the control members to control flow ofwater at the inlets and outlets of the valve. The control members may bedisposed one on top of the other. There may be two control members. Onecontrol member may be fixed and the other control member may be movablerelative to the fixed control member. The movable control member may berotatable relative to the fixed control member. The control members maycomprise discs. The control members may be made of ceramic material. Therotatable control member may be coupled to the outer sleeve androtatable with the outer sleeve for controlling flow of hot and coldwater to the cartridge.

The control members may have inlet ports that can align or at leastpartially align in response to relative movement to control flow ofwater at the hot and cold inlets and that can misalign to shut-off flowof water at the hot and cold inlets. The outlet port of the temperaturecontrol device may be coaxial with an axis of rotation of the rotatablecontrol member. In other arrangements the outlet port may be offset fromthe axis of rotation. The hot and cold water inlet ports of the flowcontrol device may be spaced from the axis of rotation of the rotatablecontrol member. The inlet ports may be concentric with the axis ofrotation. The hot and cold water inlet ports of the flow control devicemay be spaced apart in a radial direction and a circumferentialdirection. The hot water inlet ports may communicate with the firstpassageway and the cold water inlet ports may communicate with thesecond passageway or vice versa.

The valve may have at least two outlets for temperature controlled waterand the control members may have outlet ports that can align or at leastpartially align in response to relative movement to control flow ofwater at the outlets and that can misalign to shut-off flow of water atthe outlets. Relative movement of the members may align or at leastpartially align outlet ports of one or both outlets. The movable membermay be rotatable in a clockwise direction to permit flow to a firstoutlet and then to the first outlet and a second outlet. The movablemember may be rotatable in an anti-clockwise direction to permit flow tothe second outlet and then to the second outlet and the first outlet.The outlet ports of the flow control device may be inboard of the hotand cold water inlet ports. The outlet ports may be spaced from the axisof rotation of the rotatable control member. The outlet ports may beconcentric with the axis of rotation.

One or more stops may be provided to block rotation of the movablemember to prevent flow to an outlet or combination of outlets. In someembodiments, a stop may allow rotation of the movable member in theclockwise direction to select the first outlet and the first and secondoutlets and to block rotation in the anticlockwise direction to selectthe second outlet and the first and second outlets and vice versa. Inother embodiments, a pair of stops may allow rotation of the movablemember in the clockwise direction to select the first outlet and in theanticlockwise directions to select the select outlet and to blockrotation in both directions to select both the first and second outlets.Other stop arrangements may be employed. The or each stop may bereleasable. The or each stop may be detachable or movable to a positionin which the stop is inoperable.

A thermostatic mixer valve 1 according to an exemplary embodiment isshown in FIGS. 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.

Although aspects of the concepts discussed herein are described inrelation to a thermostatic mixer valve in this exemplary embodiment, itwill be understood that the concepts disclosed herein have applicationto both thermostatic mixer valves such as, but not limited to, thethermostatic mixer valve 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and non-thermostaticmixer valves.

Furthermore, aspects of the various concepts may be capable of widerapplication and are not necessarily limited to mixer valves, whetherthermostatic or non-thermostatic, and the scope of the presentdisclosure is to be construed accordingly.

The thermostatic mixer valve 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 has a body 3 withan upper part 5 and a lower part 7 releasably secured together by one ormore fasteners which, in this embodiment, are screws 9.

The body 3 houses a temperature control device 11 for mixing hot andcold water to provide a source of temperature controlled water accordingto user selection and a flow control device 13 for controlling the flowof water through the valve 1.

The lower part 7 of the body 3 is provided with a first inlet 15 forcold water and a second inlet 17 for hot water on the opposite side ofthe body. The inlets 15, 17 may be provided with suitable markings toindicate the orientation of the inlets for connection to the supplies ofhot and cold water.

The lower part of the body 3 is also provided with a first outlet 19 fortemperature controlled water and a second outlet 20 on the opposite sideof the body for temperature controlled water.

The outlets may be arranged at right angles to the inlets and may beprovided with markings to indicate the orientation of the outlets forsupply of temperature controlled water to a fitting such as ashowerhead, handset, body spray or similar device.

The temperature control device 11 comprises a thermostatic cartridge 21having a body 23 provided with a first inlet port 25 (e.g., opening,aperture, hole, etc) in the sidewall of the body 23 for cold water, asecond inlet port 27 (e.g., opening, aperture, hole, etc.) in thesidewall of the body 23 for hot water axially spaced apart from thefirst inlet port, and an outlet port 29 (e.g., opening, aperture, hole,etc) for temperature controlled water in the end wall of the body 23.

Portions of the first and second inlet ports 25, 27 may extendcircumferentially at least partially around the body 23. Alternatively,the first and second inlet ports 25, 27 may comprise a series ofopenings, apertures, holes, etc spaced apart in the circumferentialdirection.

The cartridge 21 includes a thermostat 31 containing a temperatureresponsive material (e.g., wax; not shown) and operatively coupled to apiston 33 responsive to thermal expansion and contraction of thetemperature responsive material.

In operation, the piston 33 advances (e.g., push out, etc.) from thethermostat 31 and retracts (e.g., recede, pullback, etc.) into thethermostat 31 to change an operating length of the piston 33 in responseto expansion and contraction of the temperature responsive material.

The cartridge 21 also includes a shuttle 35 coupled to the thermostat 31to form, at least in part (i.e., to be at least some of the componentsof), a thermostat-shuttle assembly.

The shuttle 35 has a first side, shown as cold side 37, and a secondside, shown as hot side 39, that is axially opposite the cold side 37.At least one (e.g., one, two, a plurality, etc.) of passages 41 (e.g.,openings, apertures, holes, etc.) extend axially through the shuttle 35from the cold side 37 to the hot side 39.

In operation, the passages 41 permit the flow of water from the coldside 37 to the hot side 39 of the shuttle 35.

The shuttle 35 is further shown to include an overmolded portion 43 thatis overmolded (e.g., co-molded, insert-molded, etc.) onto the shuttle 35at the outer periphery thereof.

The overmolded portion 43 includes a first end portion (e.g., top end,end portion, etc.), shown as cold end portion 45, a second end portion(e.g., bottom end, end portion, etc.), shown as hot end portion 47 and asidewall portion 49 that includes a separator seal 51 engageable with asidewall of the body 23 to separate the cold side of the shuttle 35 fromthe hot side.

The shuttle 35 is positioned between a cold seat 53 on the cold side 37of the shuttle and a hot seat 55 on the hot side 39 of the shuttleaxially spaced apart from the cold seat 53.

The cold seat 53 faces the cold end portion 45 and the hot seat 55 facesthe hot end portion 47. The cold seat 53 is in fluid communication withthe first inlet port 25 for cold water and the hot seat 55 is in fluidcommunication with the second inlet port 27 for hot water.

In operation, the axial position of the thermostat-shuttle assembly isadjusted by user operable control means such as a rotatable knob orlever (not shown) operatively coupled to the thermostat-shuttleassembly. In this embodiment, the rotatable knob or lever is connectedto a sleeve member 54 rotatably mounted at the upper end of the upperpart 5 of the body 3. A drive member 56 threadably engages the sleevemember 54 whereby rotation of the sleeve member 54 is converted intoaxial movement of the drive member 56 to adjust the position of thethermostat-shuttle assembly according to user selection of the outletwater temperature.

Actuation of the user operable control means controls the flow of coldwater across the cold seat 53 to the cold side of the shuttle 35 and theflow of hot water across the hot seat 55 to the hot side of the shuttle35.

The cold water flows from the cold side to the hot side of the shuttle35 through the passages 41 to mix with the hot water and the mixed waterflows over the surface of the thermostat 31 to the outlet port 29 toprovide a source of temperature controlled mixed water.

If the water temperature sensed by the thermostat 31 is higher than theuser selected temperature, the thermally responsive material expandscausing the piston 33 to advance and increase the operating length so asto move the thermostat-shuttle assembly towards the hot seat 55 againstthe biasing of a return spring 57.

In this way the flow of hot water across the hot seat 55 is reduced andthe flow of cold water across the cold seat 53 is increased to returnthe water temperature to the user selected temperature.

An overload unit 58 is provided to prevent the thermostat-shuttleassembly being damaged by an increase in the operating length of thepiston 33 once the thermostat-shuttle assembly has been moved toposition the shuttle 35 against the hot seat 55.

The overload unit 58 includes a cap member 59 slidably mounted on thethermostat and biased by an overload spring 60 to engage the projecting,outer end of the piston 33. An increase in operating length of thepiston 33 caused by expansion of the thermally responsive material whenthe shuttle 35 is seated against the hot seat 55 displaces the capmember 59 to compress the overload spring 60.

If the water temperature sensed by the thermostat 31 is lower than theuser selected temperature, the thermally responsive material contractsallowing the piston 33 to retract and reduce the operating length so asto move the thermostat-shuttle assembly towards the cold seat 53 underthe basing of the return spring 57.

In this way the flow of hot water across the hot seat 55 is increasedand the flow of cold water across the cold seat 53 is reduced to returnthe water temperature to the user selected temperature.

The user operable controls may allow the user to adjust the position ofthe thermostat-shuttle assembly between a first end position in whichthe hot end portion 47 of the shuttle 35 seats against the hot seat 55to provide a flow of cold water only and a second end position in whichthe cold end portion 45 of the shuttle 35 seats against the cold seat 53to provide a flow of hot water only and any intermediate position toprovide a flow of mixed hot and cold water.

The flow control device 13 comprises a ceramic disc assembly having afirst ceramic disc 61 and a second ceramic disc 63 positioned one on topof the other. The discs 61, 63 are shown in more detail in FIG. 5.

In this embodiment, the first disc 61, shown as the lower disc, is fixedand the second disc 63, shown as the upper disc, is rotatable relativeto the first disc 61 about an axis A. The position of the discs may bereversed so that the fixed disc is on top of the rotatable disc.

In this embodiment, rotation of the second disc 63 relative to the firstdisc 61 is employed to control the flows of cold and hot water from theinlets 15, 17 to the inlet ports 25, 27 of the cartridge 21, and tocontrol the flow of temperature controlled water from the outlet port 29of the cartridge 21 to either one or both of the first and secondoutlets 19, 20 according to user selection.

The fixed ceramic disc 61 is provided with a cold water port 65, a hotwater port 67 and first and second pairs of temperature controlled waterports 69 a, 69 b and 71 a, 71 b that extend through the disc 61 from anupper side to a lower side. The ports are spaced from the axis ofrotation A and may be arranged concentrically with respect to the axisof rotation A.

The cold water port 65 is curved and extends in a circumferentialdirection for approximately 90 degrees at a fixed outer radius R1 fromthe axis of rotation A.

The hot water port 67 is curved and extends in a circumferentialdirection for approximately 90 degrees at a fixed outer radius R2 fromthe axis of rotation A where R2 is less than R1 such that the hot waterport 67 is radially inboard of the cold water port 65.

The hot water port 67 is also offset from the cold water port 65 in thecircumferential direction so as not overlap the cold water port 65 inthe circumferential direction.

The first pair of temperature controlled water ports 69 a, 69 b arearranged on opposite sides of the axis of rotation A at a fixed outerradius R3 where R3 is less than R2 such the first pair of temperaturecontrolled ports 69 a, 69 b is radially inboard of the hot water port67.

The second pair of temperature controlled water ports 71 a, 71 b arealso arranged on opposite sides of the axis of rotation at the samefixed outer radius R3 such that the second pair of temperaturecontrolled ports 71 a, 71 b is radially inboard of the hot water port 67and alternate with the first pair of temperature controlled ports 69 a,69 b.

Each of the first and second pair of temperature controlled water ports69 a, 69 b and 71 a, 71 b has one port larger than the opposed otherport. This may not be essential and both ports may be of the same size.

The movable ceramic disc 63 is provided with a pair of cold water ports73 a, 73 b, a pair of hot water ports 75 a, 75 b that extend through thedisc 63 from an upper side to a lower side and a central opening 77 onthe upper side.

Each cold water port 73 a, 73 b is curved and extends in acircumferential direction for approximately 90 degrees on opposite sidesof the axis of rotation A and at the same fixed outer radius R1 from theaxis of rotation A as the cold water port 65 in the fixed ceramic disc61.

The cold water ports 73 a, 73 b are spaced apart approximately 90degrees in the circumferential direction at both ends.

Each hot water port 75 a, 75 b is curved and extends in acircumferential direction for approximately 90 degrees on opposite sidesof the axis of rotation A and at the same fixed outer radius R2 from theaxis of rotation where R2 as the hot water port 67 in the fixed ceramicdisc 61.

The hot water ports 75 a, 75 b are spaced apart approximately 90 degreesin the circumferential direction at both ends and are offset from thecold water ports 73 a, 73 b in the circumferential direction so as notoverlap in the circumferential direction.

The central opening 77 is annular and is preferably coaxial with theaxis of rotation A although this may not be essential and the opening 77may be offset from the axis of rotation A. The disc 63 has opposedflange portions 79 a, 79 b within the opening 77 separated in thecircumferential direction by opposed ports 81 a, 81 b that open to thelower side of the disc 63 and have the same outer radius R3 and innerradius R4 as the ports 69 a, 69 b, 71 a, 71 b in the disc 61.

The discs 61, 63 are positioned one on top of the other with the lowerdisc 61 received in a recessed portion 83 of the lower part 7 of thebody 3 and the upper disc 63 extending above the recessed portion 83.

The lower disc 61 and recessed portion 83 are configured to preventrotation of the disc 61. For example the disc 61 and recessed portion 83may have co-operating formations to prevent rotation of the disc 61.

In this embodiment, the disc 61 has one or more projecting ribs 85, forexample two, spaced apart around the circumference that are received inslots (not shown) spaced apart around the periphery of the recessedportion 83.

The co-operating formations are configured to position the disc 61 in apre-determined orientation in the recessed portion 83.

The co-operating formations may position the disc 61 so that the coldwater inlet 15 communicates with the cold water port 65, the hot waterinlet 17 communicates with the hot water port 67, the first pair oftemperature controlled ports 69 a, 69 b communicate with the firstoutlet 19 and the second pair of temperature controlled ports 71 a, 71 bcommunicate with the second outlet20.

The co-operating formations may be non-symmetrical or otherwiseconfigured for assembly in of the disc 61 in one orientation only. Therecessed portion 83 of the lower part 7 of the body 3 is provided with asealing member 83 a to seal around and separate the ports in the lowerside of the disc 61.

The disc 63 is arranged on top of the disc 61 and is rotatable about theaxis of rotation A by user operable control means such as a rotatableknob or lever (not shown) operatively coupled to the disc 63 to controlthe flow of cold and hot water from the inlets 15, 17 to the inlet ports25, 27 of the cartridge 21 and flow of temperature controlled water fromthe outlet port 29 of the cartridge 21 to either one or both of theoutlets 19, 20 by varying the overlap of the ports in the disc 63 withthe ports in the disc 61.

The lower end of the body 23 of the cartridge 21 seats on the upper sideof the disc 63 with the outlet port 29 in the bottom of the cartridge 21aligned with the central port 77 in the disc 63.

The hot water ports 75 a, 75 b communicate with the inlet port 27 of thecartridge 21 via an axially extending annular passageway 87 defined by afirst or inner sleeve 89 that surrounds the lower portion of the body 23of the cartridge 21.

The lower end of the inner sleeve 89 seats on the upper side of the disc63 and the upper end of the sleeve 89 engages a seal 91 received in agroove in the outer surface of the body 23 of the cartridge 21.

The cold water ports 73 a, 73 b communicate with the inlet port 25 ofthe cartridge 21 via an axially extending annular passageway 93 definedby a second or outer sleeve 95 that surrounds the inner sleeve 89 andthe upper portion of the body 23 of the cartridge 21. In thisembodiment, the inner and outer sleeves 89, 95 are separate components.In other embodiments, the inner and outer sleeves 89, 95 may be a singlecomponent.

The lower end of the outer sleeve 95 seats on the upper side of the disc63 and the upper end of the sleeve 95 engages a seal 97 received in agroove in the outer surface of the body 23 of the cartridge 21.

The lower ends of the body 23 of the cartridge 21, the inner sleeve 89,and the outer sleeve 95 are provided with sealing members 23 a, 89 a, 95a to seal around and separate the ports in the upper side of the disc63.

The disc 63 is configured for engagement with a drive member forrotating the disc 63 about the axis of rotation. For example, the disc63 and drive member may have co-operating formations to couple the drivemember to the disc 63.

In this embodiment, the disc 63 has one or more projecting ribs 99, forexample four, spaced apart around the circumference that are received inslots 101 spaced apart around the periphery of the outer sleeve 95 whichforms the drive member for the disc 63.

The operation of the flow control device 13 will now be described inmore detail with particular reference to FIGS. 6 to 10.

FIG. 6 shows the flow control device 13 in the “off” position with therotatable, upper disc 63 arranged to shut-off flow.

In this position, the cold water ports 73 a, 73 b are offset from thecold water port 65 in the fixed, lower disc 61 and the hot water ports75 a, 75 b are offset from the hot water port 67 in the fixed, lowerdisc 61 such that the ports 65 and 67 are closed by the disc 63 and flowof incoming supplies of cold and hot water connected to the cold and hotinlets 15,17 is prevented from flowing to the cold and hot water inletports 25, 27 of the cartridge 21.

Also, in this position, the ports 81 a, 81 b of the upper disc 63 areoffset from the ports 69 a, 69 b and 71 a, 71 b in the fixed, lower disc61 such that the ports 69 a, 69 b, 71 a, 71 b are closed by the flangeportions 79 a, 79 b of the disc 63 and flow of temperature controlledwater to the first and second outlets 19, 20 is prevented.

FIG. 7 shows the flow control device on rotating the rotatable, upperdisc 63 in a clockwise direction from the position shown in FIG. 6.

As the disc 63 rotates, the cold water port 73 a and hot water port 75 astart to overlap the cold water port 65 and hot water port 67 in thefixed lower, disc allowing flow of incoming hot and cold water suppliesto the cold and hot water inlet ports 25, 27 of cartridge 21.

At the same, the ports 81 a, 81 b start to overlap the ports 69 a, 69 bin the fixed, lower disc allowing flow of temperature controlled waterfrom the outlet port 29 of the cartridge to the first outlet 19 onlyuntil the ports 69 a, 69 b are fully open with the ports 71 a, 71 b tothe second outlet 20 still being closed.

FIG. 8 shows the flow control device on continued rotation of therotatable, upper disc 63 in the clockwise direction from the positionshown in FIG. 7.

As the disc 63 rotates, the ports 81 a, 81 b start to overlap the ports71 a, 71 b in addition to overlapping the ports 69 a, 69 b allowing flowof temperature controlled water from the outlet port 29 to both thefirst and second outlets 19, 20.

FIG. 9 shows the flow control device on rotating the rotatable, upperdisc 63 in a counterclockwise direction from the position shown in FIG.6.

As the disc 63 rotates, the cold water port 73 b and hot water port 75 bstart to overlap the cold water port 65 and hot water port 67 in thefixed lower, disc allowing flow of incoming hot and cold water suppliesto the cold and hot water inlet ports 25, 27 of cartridge 21.

At the same, the ports 81 a, 81 b start to overlap the ports 71 a, 71 bin the fixed, lower disc allowing flow of temperature controlled waterfrom the outlet port 29 of the cartridge to the second outlet 20 onlyuntil the ports 71 a, 71 b are fully open with the ports 69 a, 69 b tothe first outlet 19 still being closed.

FIG. 10 shows the flow control device on continued rotation of therotatable, upper disc 63 in the counterclockwise direction from theposition shown in FIG. 9.

As the disc 63 rotates, the ports 81 a, 81 b start to overlap the ports69 a, 69 b in addition to overlapping the ports 71 a, 71 b allowing flowof temperature controlled water from the outlet port 29 to both thefirst and second outlets 19, 20.

As will be appreciated, the configuration of the discs 61, 63 providesboth on/off flow control and selection of one outlet 19 or both outlets19, 20 by rotating the rotatable disc 63 clockwise or selection of theother outlet 20 or both outlets 19, 20 by rotating the rotatable disc 63counterclockwise.

In this embodiment rotation through 60 degrees in either direction fromthe “off” position selects a single outlet 19 or 20 and rotation through90 degrees in either direction from the “off position selects bothoutlets 19 and 20. It will be understood that this is not limiting andthe extent of the rotational movement to select one or both outlets 19,20 may be altered by appropriate configuration of the ports in thediscs.

Referring now to FIG. 11, there is shown a modification to the exemplaryembodiment of FIGS. 1 to 10 in which like reference numerals are used toindicate the same or similar parts.

In the modification shown in FIG. 11, a stop 103 is provided to allowclockwise rotation of the upper disc from the flow off position toselect the first outlet 19 and a combination of both outlets 19, 20 asdescribed previously and to block anticlockwise rotation of the upperdisc from the flow off position to select the other outlet 20 and acombination of both outlets 19, 20.

The stop 103 is located in an opening 105 in the upper part 5 of thebody 3 of the valve 1 and the outer sleeve 95 that drives the upper dischas a rib 107 or other suitable formation co-operable with the stop 103to control rotation of the outer sleeve 95.

In the flow off position, the rib 107 engages the stop 103 so thatanticlockwise rotation of the sleeve 95 from the flow off position toselect the second outlet 20 and both outlets 19, 20 is prevented andclockwise rotation of the sleeve 95 from the flow off position to selectthe first outlet 19 and both outlets 19, 20 is permitted.

In another arrangement, the stop 103 and rib 107 could be arranged suchthat the rib 107 engages the stop 103 in the flow off position so thatclockwise rotation of the sleeve 95 from the flow off position to selectthe first outlet 19 and both outlets 19, 20 is prevented andanticlockwise rotation of the sleeve 95 from the flow off position toselect the second outlet 19 and both outlets 19, 20 is permitted.

The stop 103 is preferably adapted to allow the valve to be configuredfor use with or without the stop 103. In some embodiments, the stop 103may be removable and, optionally, a blanking plug (not shown) may beprovided to close the opening 105 when the stop 103 has been removed.

Where provided, the stop 103 may be a push fit, preferably a snap fit,in the opening 105 and may be releasably secured in the opening 105, forexample by engagement of a resilient detent 109 such as a spring leg orsimilar formation with the upper part 5 of the body 3.

Alternatively, the stop 103 may be movable between a retracted orrelease position that allows rotation of the sleeve 95 in both theclockwise and anticlockwise directions and an advanced or blockingposition that allows rotation of the sleeve 95 in one direction andprevents rotation in the opposite direction. For example, the stop 103may be a screw fit in the opening 105.

In other respects, the construction and operation of the valve 1 issimilar to the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13 there is shown another modification tothe exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 10 in which like referencenumerals are used to indicate similar parts.

In the modification shown in FIGS. 12, 13 and 14, two stops 111, 113 areprovided. One stop 111 allows clockwise rotation of the upper disc fromthe flow off position to select the first outlet 19 and block furtherclockwise rotation to select the first and second outlets 19, 20. Theother stop 113 allows anticlockwise rotation of the upper disc from theflow off position to select the second outlet 20 and block furtheranticlockwise rotation to select the first and second outlets 19, 20.

Each stop 111, 113 is located in an opening 115, 117 respectively in theupper part 5 of the body 3 of the valve 1 and the outer sleeve 95 thatdrives the upper disc has a rib 119 or other suitable formationco-operable with the stop 111 to control rotation of the outer sleeve 95and another rib 121 or other suitable formation co-operable with thestop 113 to control rotation of the outer sleeve 95.

In the flow off position, the rib 119 is circumferentially spaced fromthe stop 111 so that clockwise rotation of the sleeve 95 from the flowoff position to select the first outlet 19 is permitted and the rib 119engages the stop 111 to prevent further clockwise rotation of the sleeve95 to select both outlets 19, 20 (FIG. 12).

Also in the flow off position, the rib 121 is spaced from the stop 113so that anticlockwise rotation of the sleeve 95 from the flow offposition to select the second outlet 20 is permitted and the rib 121engages the stop 113 to prevent further anticlockwise rotation of thesleeve 95 to select both outlets 19, 20 (FIG. 13).

In other arrangements, one of the stops 111 or 113 may be omitted sothat rotation in one direction from the flow off position can be used toselect one outlet and then both outlets as described previously androtation in the other direction can be used to select the other outletonly.

In yet other arrangements, one of the stops 111 or 113 may be employedto allow rotation in one direction from the flow off position to selectone outlet and the other stop replaced by a stop 103 similar to FIG. 11employed to prevent rotation in the opposite direction from the flow offposition.

The stop 111, 113 are preferably adapted to allow the valve to beconfigured for use with or without one or both stops 111, 113. In someembodiments, one or both stops 111, 113 may be removable and,optionally, a blanking plug (not shown) may be provided to close theopenings 115, 117 when the stop 111, 113 have been removed.

Where provided, the stops 111, 113 may be a push fit, preferably a snapfit, in the openings 115, 117 and may be releasably secured in theopenings 115, 117 for example by engagement of a resilient detent 123,125 such as a spring leg or similar formation with the upper part 5 ofthe body 3.

Alternatively, one or both stops 111, 113 may be movable betweenretracted or release positions that allow rotation of the sleeve 95 inboth the clockwise and anticlockwise directions to select either thefirst outlet 19 or the second outlet 20 or both outlets 19, 20 asdescribed previously and advanced or blocking positions that preventcontinued rotation of the sleeve 95 to select both outlets 19, 20. Forexample, the stops 111, 113 may be a screw fit in the openings 115, 117.

In other respects, the construction and operation of the valve 1 issimilar to the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 10.

While exemplary embodiments have been described, it will be understoodthat the concepts disclosed herein are not limited to the exemplaryembodiments and that various modifications may be made without departingfrom the principles or concepts described herein.

In some embodiments, the shuttle may have an overmolded portionproviding sealing faces on both sides of the shuttle and a separatorseal as described. This is not essential and other arrangements ofsealing faces and/or separator seal may be employed. For example, aseparate separator seal, for example an O-ring may be mounted on theshuttle or on the sidewall of the body of the cartridge. The overmoldedportions forming one or both sealing faces may be omitted and thesealing faces may be provided by the material of the shuttle. One orboth of the hot and cold seats may be provided with overmolded portionsproviding sealing faces for engagement with the sealing faces of theshuttle.

In some embodiments, two relatively rotatable discs may be employed toprovide on/off flow control at the inlets and selection of one or moreoutlets as described. This is not essential and other arrangements maybe employed. For example, two relatively rotatable discs for on/off flowcontrol at the inlets may be employed with a single outlet or with twoor more outlets. Two relatively rotatable discs to select one or moreoutlets may be employed with or without on/off flow control at theinlets.

The thermostatic cartridge may be replaced by any other thermostaticcartridge or non-thermostatic cartridge for mixing hot and cold water.

The concepts discussed herein have particular application to mixervalves for shower installations having multiple spray devices connectedto different outlets, for example an overhead shower, a handset and bodyjets. This is not essential and the concepts have application to anyinstallation where it may be desirable to select individual outlets or acombination of outlets. For example, arrangements where an outlet may beused for showering and another outlet may be used for filling a bath,tub, basin, sink or other receptacle for washing or any other purpose.

The construction and arrangement of the elements of the thermostaticvalve, and components thereof, as shown in the exemplary embodiments areillustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the presentdisclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art whoreview this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modificationsare possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapesand proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mountingarrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) withoutmaterially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of thesubject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formedmay be constructed of multiple parts or elements. The elements andassemblies may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materialsthat provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide varietyof colors, textures, and combinations. Additionally, in the subjectdescription, the word “exemplary” is used to mean serving as an example,instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as“exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, use of the word“exemplary” is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner.Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included withinthe scope of the present disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications,changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions,and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments withoutdeparting from the scope of the appended claims.

For purposes of this disclosure, references to “front,” “back,” “rear,”“upward,” “downward,” “inner,” “outer,” “right,” and “left” in thisdescription are merely used to identify the various elements as they areoriented in the FIGURES. These terms are not meant to limit the elementwhich they describe, as the various elements may be oriented differentlyin various applications. Further, the term “coupled” means the joiningof two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining maybe stationary in nature or moveable in nature and/or such joining mayallow for the flow of fluids, electricity, electrical signals, or othertypes of signals or communication between the two members. Such joiningmay be achieved with the two members or the two members and anyadditional intermediate members being integrally formed as a singleunitary body with one another or with the two members or the two membersand any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may beremovable or releasable in nature.

The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied orre-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Anymeans-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures describedherein as performing the recited function and not only structuralequivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions,modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design,operating configuration, and arrangement of the preferred and otherexemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fluid control valve for mixing hot and coldwater comprises an inlet for cold water, an inlet for hot water, and atleast two outlets for temperature controlled water, wherein the valvefurther comprises: a flow control device comprising a pair of controlmembers that are relatively movable to control flow of water at theinlets and outlets of the valve for selecting flow to an individualoutlet or a combination of at least two outlets; a temperature controldevice for mixing hot and cold water to provide a source of temperaturecontrolled water, wherein the temperature control device comprises acartridge having inlet ports in communication with inlet ports of theflow control device and an outlet port in communication with outletports of the flow control device; an inner sleeve that defines with thecartridge a first passageway; and an outer sleeve that defines with theinner sleeve and the cartridge a second passageway, wherein the firstand second passageways are configured to deliver hot and cold water tothe inlet ports of the cartridge, the first passageway delivers hotwater to the inlet port for hot water, and the second passagewaydelivers cold water to the inlet port for cold water.
 2. The fluidcontrol valve of claim 1 wherein the control members are disposed one ontop of the other.
 3. The fluid control valve of claim 1 wherein onecontrol member is fixed and the other control member is rotatablerelative to the fixed control member.
 4. The fluid control valve ofclaim 1 wherein the control members have the inlet ports of the flowcontrol device that can align or at least partially align in response torelative movement to control flow of water at the hot and cold inletsand that can misalign to shut-off flow of water at the hot and coldinlets.
 5. The fluid control valve of claim 1 wherein the controlmembers have the outlet ports of the flow control device that can alignor at least partially align in response to relative movement to controlflow of water at the outlets and that can misalign to shut-off flow ofwater at the outlets.
 6. The fluid control valve of claim 5 whereinrelative movement of the members can align or at least partially alignoutlet ports of one or both outlets.
 7. The fluid control valve of claim1 wherein the movable member is rotatable in a clockwise direction topermit flow to a first outlet and then to the first outlet and a secondoutlet.
 8. The fluid control valve of claim 7 wherein the movable memberis rotatable in an anti-clockwise direction to permit flow to the secondoutlet and then to the second outlet and the first outlet.
 9. The fluidcontrol valve of claim 7 wherein at least one stop is provided to blockrotation of the movable member to prevent flow to an outlet orcombination of outlets.
 10. The fluid control valve of claim 9 wherein asingle stop is provided to allow rotation of the movable member in theclockwise direction to select the first outlet and the first and secondoutlets and to block rotation in the anticlockwise direction to selectthe second outlet and the first and second outlets and vice versa. 11.The fluid control valve of claim 9 wherein a pair of stops is providedto allow rotation of the movable member in the clockwise direction toselect the first outlet and in the anticlockwise directions to selectthe select outlet and to block rotation in both directions to selectboth the first and second outlets.
 12. The fluid control valve of claim1 wherein the inlet ports of the flow control device for hot and coldwater are spaced apart in a radial direction and a circumferentialdirection.
 13. The fluid control valve of claim 12 wherein the inletports of the flow control device for hot water are inboard of the inletports for cold water or vice versa.
 14. The fluid control valve of claim12 wherein the outlet ports of the flow control device are inboard ofthe inlet ports for hot and cold water.
 15. The fluid control valve ofclaim 12 wherein inlet ports of the flow control device and/or outletports are concentric with the axis of rotation.
 16. The fluid controlvalve of claim 1 wherein the inlet ports of the cartridge are spacedapart in an axial direction.
 17. A fluid control valve for mixing hotand cold water comprises an inlet for cold water, an inlet for hotwater, and at least two outlets for temperature controlled water,wherein the valve further comprises: a flow control device comprising apair of control members that are relatively movable between a pluralityof positions to control flow of water at the inlets and outlets of thevalve for selecting flow to an individual outlet in a first position ora combination of at least two outlets in a second position; atemperature control device for mixing hot and cold water to provide asource of temperature controlled water, wherein the temperature controldevice comprises a cartridge having inlet ports in communication withinlet ports of the flow control device and an outlet port incommunication with outlet ports of the flow control device; an innersleeve that defines with the cartridge a first passageway; and an outersleeve that defines with the inner sleeve and the cartridge a secondpassageway, wherein the first and second passageways are configured todeliver hot and cold water to the inlet ports of the cartridge, thefirst passageway delivers hot water to the inlet port for hot water, andthe second passageway delivers cold water to the inlet port for coldwater.
 18. The fluid control valve of claim 17 wherein the inlet portsof the flow control device for hot and cold water are spaced apart in aradial direction and a circumferential direction.
 19. The fluid controlvalve of claim 17 wherein the inlet ports of the cartridge are spacedapart in an axial direction.
 20. The fluid control valve of claim 17wherein one control member is fixed and the other control member isrotatable relative to the fixed control member.